Creating a refreshing and energetic ambiance, guests were greeted by the zesty freshness of everything orange – from freshly-squeezed orange juice and delectable orange-infused treats, to the orange-citrus aroma wafting from the crates of fresh oranges stacked throughout the exhibition area to resemble a marketplace.

Highlighting the event was the star printer of the day, the PIXMA MG7570 all-in-one inkjet printer whose unique orange colour blended in seamlessly with the day’s theme. Incorporating the Near Field Communication (NFC) feature, the MG7570 gives consumers the freedom to print or scan simply by touching their NFC-enabled smart device to the printer. No less impressive was the PIXMA E460 ink efficient printer at the next display area – an affordable all-in-one ink-efficient printer (whose black ink cartridge costs only RM25), now with Wi-Fi capabilities that enable wireless printing throughan access point mode.

Meanwhile, the third hero model at the launch was the imageCLASS LBP6030w laser single-function printer, the most affordable laser printer for SOHO and small business users that comes equipped with wireless LAN and WPS Push Button. The cableless feature enables a secured wireless connection to the existing office network for a fuss-free remote printing experience.

The NFC and wireless function in Canon’s latest printer roll-out are indicative of the immense, yet still untapped potential of wireless printing. Although Wi-Fi is the norm in today’s technological age, according to a recent GFK report, 79.6% of the printer market is still not Wi-Fi enabled. As such, through its latest releases, Canon demonstrates its drive to promote a printing culture that not only incorporates fun and easy-to-use features, but also Wi-Fi connectivity that is in-sync with the culture today.

Wi-Fi in a fresh new way. Aside from a ‘shopping list’ of questions to answer for a chance to win attractive prizes, media members also had fun taking pictures of themselves at a photo booth in an interactive demonstration of the NFC feature. Once the screen is tapped, instructions appeared on the screen. The twist came as water is sprayed onto their faces just as the camera snapped, creating a surprise shot that was then printed immediately on one of the three printers.

“Canon has always incorporated the latest technology in our printers to fulfil the printing needs of our customers. Hence, we have remained the number one inkjet printer provider in the country for the past 18 years. Our launch theme today, which underlines a new market experience, reflects our continuous innovation for customers to experience our products afresh. It encourages a printing culture that incorporates the freedom of wireless printing. Through this, Canon hopes to encourage printing ‘beyond work’, inculcating a fun and memorable printing experience that complements our customers’ varied lifestyles,” stated Mr Wataru Nishioka, President & CEO of Canon Marketing Malaysia.

Speaking about the division’s future direction, Mr Jeffrey Kung, Assistant Director of Consumer System Products (CSP) at Canon shared, “Currently, the CSP division has about 150 technical staff and over 60 dedicated printer division staff, which is the biggest in the market. Backed by their expertise, Canon is able to be fully focused on providing quality products with good and reliable after sales service. Moving forward, plans are in the pipeline to introduce more printers with Wi-Fi features to further promote Wi-Fi printing, as well as increase our market share in the country for laser printers.”

‘Fresh & Free – A New Market Experience’ was certainly an occasion to be remembered; an event that encouraged the media to personally experience the innovative printing culture, and gain a fresh impression of Canon’s innovation and creativity reflected through its printers.